Is Lupus an Allergy-Related Autoimmune Disease? Exploring Dietary Impact - Dermatology

The primary cause of lupus erythematosus is not an allergy?

---

Hello Dr.
Huang, I have recently been reading this book: The McDougall Program.
The author mentions on page 300 that autoimmune diseases are considered a type of allergic disease, and to heal, one should undergo allergy testing, particularly for food allergies.
Factors that contribute to our illnesses, aside from genetics and stress, include environmental factors.
Among these, the most closely related to us is what we consume, as our bodies directly react to the molecules in these foods.
Since I learned that I have lupus and chondritis, I started the elimination diet he recommends, and it seems to be very effective for me.
I began taking Prednisone (60mg/day) on February 19, and by March 8, I had reduced it to 30mg/day.
At that time, I was pain-free, but the side effects were so severe that I couldn't sleep, so my doctor reduced the dosage to 10mg/day on March 10.
Doctor, do you think autoimmune diseases could be triggered by continuous exposure to allergens? Additionally, this book states that almost all chronic diseases can be improved through diet and lifestyle changes.
What is the stance of the medical community in Taiwan on this perspective? Thank you.
Below is an excerpt from his website: Elimination Diet: The most effective food allergy test is to start by eating only the least allergenic foods.
During the elimination period, all foods must be thoroughly cooked, as cooking alters proteins, making them less likely to cause negative reactions.
Starches: Brown rice (soaked overnight before cooking), sweet potatoes, pumpkin, rice noodles.
Most green and yellow vegetables: beets, squash, artichokes, spinach, lettuce; avoid onions, green peppers, cucumbers, and radishes, as they may cause digestive issues.
Fruits: Peaches, cranberries, apricots, papayas, plums, cherries; avoid all citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, limes, and tomatoes.
Condiments: Only salt is allowed (if it does not affect other health issues).
This means no salad dressings, mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, hot sauce, or other condiments.
Beverages: Water or unsweetened soda.
After one week, any food-related issues should have resolved, and your body should feel good.
If so, you can start reintroducing other foods into your diet, but only one at a time, to determine if that food causes any adverse reactions.
For testing purposes, each "new" food should be consumed in large amounts, three times a day for two days.
If this food does not cause adverse reactions, you can conclude that it is not a troublemaker.
Most adverse reactions occur within a few hours, but some may appear days later.
Each food must be tested individually; do not test two new foods at once.
When you have an adverse reaction to a food, you must wait 4 to 7 days before testing the next item.
During this time, your system will clear the allergens from your body.
If the elimination diet seems too strict for you, you can follow the McDougall plan to eliminate the six major food allergens: dairy, eggs, chocolate, nuts, shellfish, and fish.
If your issues persist, then eliminate wheat, corn, citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, mushrooms, etc., which are among the most common allergens in the vegetable kingdom.
Changing your diet is the safest, smartest, cheapest, and most effective way to test and treat health issues.
This may have once been a mystery for you and your doctor, but if this is what you need, you will not be disappointed with your efforts.

---

dudu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/03/15